NEW CALEDONIA: France represses Kanak struggle

Since 2001, the Rheebuu Nuu Committee has been protesting against the Goro-Nickel mine in southern New Caledonia, which is operated by the Canadian mining giant INCO. INCO acquired the land for free and was given tax-free status for the first 15 years of the mine's operation. The committee has been demanding that INCO negotiate with Kanak landowners over the social and environmental impact of the mine. INCO's refusal to do so led to a blockade of the mine's access road and the destruction of US$10 million worth of equipment by Rheebuu Nuu Committee supporters. The blockade ended on April 18 when French armed forces destroyed the camp, arresting many protesters. Pacific Concerns Resource Centre spokesperson Ema Tagicakibau said on April 20: "This represents a gross violation of the sovereignty rights of indigenous Kanak to be part of the decision-making process in the sustainable management of their natural resources."

From Green Left Weekly, April 26, 2006.

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From GLW issue 665